Touches of Fall

I'm really enjoying these cooler temps we've been having here in Virginia the past few days. Makes it really feel like fall! I've been noticing all the fall decor on display here in blogland and have discovered some really cute and easy ideas to incorporate in my fall decor. I usually don't do a whole lot of fall decorating but this year I've gotten on the band wagon and since I'm currently unemployed, I have more time to piddle with stuff. I saw this cute idea for scrap wood pumpkins over at Dandelions and Dust Bunnies and just had to give it a try! I had Scott cut me some different sized wood pieces out of some scrap 2 x 4's and 2 x 3's that he had in the basement, painted them orange with hints of brown, added a rounded "stem", and dressed them up with some bits of raffia and ribbon and berry stems I had lying around. I really like how they turned out:



The best part of this project is that it didn't cost me a dime since I had all the supplies, including the paint, on hand. Gotta love projects like that! The picture doesn't show all the wonderful detail that the brown paint adds because when I took this picture, it was overcast and I had to use the flash. Plus, my camera isn't the best in the world, but we have to make do with what we've got, right?

Scott and I are going to be vendors at a small craft show this Saturday in a neighboring community. I've made several sets of these scrap wood pumpkins to sell. I've also been busy making tile coasters, tile plaques, post it note holders, birdhouses, pumpkin yard signs, and a few other pieces to take to the sale. Wish us luck!!

I am linking this post to some of the fabulous parties over on my sidebar. Please be sure to check them out for some great inspiration!

Until next time. . .

Happy Fall Y'all!!!

Can y'all believe it's the first day of fall?? Already?? Seems like the summer just flew by. And before we know it, old man winter will be rearing his ugly head! Ugh! Winter is my least favorite season. I guess because I hate snow! Yes, I said it. I hate driving in it, I hate being cold, I hate the shorter days, well, there just ain't much about winter I like at all! But I do love fall. The cooler, but not cold, temps, the beautiful colors of the leaves, apple cider, pumpkins, hay rides, and corn mazes. So much fun! Scott and I are planning a day trip to a farm about an hour from our home to do all that fun stuff. I can't wait! What fun and exciting plans do you have for fall? Whatever your plans, enjoy each day to the fullest. Because before we know it, winter will be here. Ugh, again!

Until next time. . .

Family History

Do you ever wonder sometimes where you came from? I mean, who your ancestors were? Some of you may be lucky enough to already know the answers to these questions. I've never really thought much about genealogy and have certainly never done any research to find out who my relatives are. Yeah, I'm just lazy like that, I guess!

Yesterday, I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to find out a little bit about my family history. I have a great aunt who lives in Danville, Virginia. I have only met this lovely lady once before and that was over ten years ago. She recently contacted my mother and wanted us to come visit with her again. She didn't know that my Mom is now living in Arkansas and wouldn't be able to drive up to see her. So she contacted my uncle (Mom's brother) who lives in the same town as I do and asked him if he would drive up to see her. He was excited to do so and he called me and asked if Scott and I would like to go too! I jumped at the chance! So we all took off early yesterday morning and drove the three plus hours to visit Aunt Kat at her home.

Aunt Kat is a genius at genealogy! She has tons of information on our family tree and I spent a good portion of our visit yesterday just pouring through books of old family photos and records. She gave me this picture of my great, great grandparents on my mother's maternal side of the family. I believe it was taken in the 1920's or early 1930's.



She also gave me this wonderful picture of my beautiful mother. Mom is about 13 years old in this picture. I am amazed at how much she and I look alike! Everyone is always telling me that we favor one another, but I didn't realize how much until I saw some of these pictures!



She also had a picture of my great, great, great, great grandfather taken sometime in the 1800's! Unfortunately, she only has one copy of that photograph right now so I didn't get to bring one home with me. But it was awesome to see it! She is in the process of getting everything transferred to discs so that all the family members that want a copy can get one.

I was so glad that I thought to take my camera with me. I just had to have a pic made with this wonderful lady. She turned 79 years old this year.



We had such a nice visit yesterday and I cannot wait to go back!

Until next time. . .